Southampton • Port Elgin • Saugeen Township

Experienced leadership.
A stronger community.

I’m Don Matheson, an officially certified candidate for Vice-Deputy Mayor. I’m running because this community matters to me, and I’m ready to bring practical leadership, responsible decision-making and a strong voice for every part of Saugeen Shores.

Don Matheson, candidate for Vice-Deputy Mayor
Elect Don Matheson

SAUGEEN SHORES • MUNICIPAL ELECTION

“I know this community.
I know how Council works.
And I know the difference between simply occupying a seat at the table—and providing leadership at that table.
I’m ready to provide that leadership.”

Election countdown

10
days until Election DayMonday, October 26, 2026

Next campaign event

5October
2026

Business-Focused Candidates’ Meeting

Monday at 7:00 p.m.
Southampton Town Hall Auditorium
201 High St., Southampton

My practical plan

Six priorities for
Saugeen Shores

I believe Saugeen Shores can grow while remaining affordable, welcoming and true to its character. My focus is simple: listen to people, protect taxpayers, plan ahead, provide experienced leadership and make decisions that improve everyday life in our community.

01

Manage growth responsibly

Growth can be good, but it must be planned properly. I will work to ensure development is supported by the roads, water, wastewater, parks and services our community needs—while protecting the character of Southampton, Port Elgin and Saugeen Township.

02

Respect taxpayers and deliver value

Families and seniors are watching every dollar. I will question priorities, watch spending carefully and make sure we are not robbing Peter to pay Paul. Every tax dollar must deliver real value.

03

Build infrastructure before growth

I want us to plan roads, water, wastewater, recreation facilities and community services before growth creates bigger and more expensive problems—not after.

04

Support healthy, safe and connected communities

I will support recreation, accessibility, seniors, community safety, green spaces and trails, while continuing efforts to attract the healthcare professionals our growing community needs.

05

Restore communication and public trust

Residents should understand what Council is doing, why decisions are being made and how those decisions affect them. I will listen, speak plainly, answer honestly and make sure people are heard before decisions are made.

06

Provide experienced, independent leadership

I know how Council works, and I am prepared to support good ideas, ask the difficult questions and say no when something is not right. Leadership means doing the homework, making responsible decisions and getting results.

Looking ahead

Future projects for Saugeen Shores

Explore the projects and priorities I believe deserve careful planning, responsible investment and public discussion.

View future projects
Don Matheson

Why I’m running

This is home.
The work isn’t finished.
I’m ready to lead.

I grew up here, went to school here, played sports here and raised my family here. For more than 30 years, I have worked in and contributed to Saugeen Shores. This community helped shape who I am—and I want it to remain a place where families can build their futures, seniors can stay connected and businesses can succeed.

I’m running because I have unfinished business—and there is still important work to do. Growth must be managed responsibly. Tax dollars must be spent carefully. Projects must be properly planned and delivered. Most importantly, Council must understand how its decisions affect people in the real world.

I know how Council works, how budgets are developed and how decisions get made. I will work respectfully with the Mayor and Council, support good ideas wherever they come from and remain independent enough to ask tough questions—and speak up when something is not right.

I want this community to be even stronger when I leave public service than it was when I began.

My commitment to you“I will listen, do the homework and follow the rules. I will ask tough questions and make decisions based on what is best for all of Saugeen Shores—not simply what is easiest or most popular.”
30+Years contributing locally
2014First elected to Council
10Leadership and service milestones
3Communities represented
See my accomplishments →

“I’m not interested in political theatre. I’m interested in practical decisions, responsible leadership, and real results.”

— Don Matheson

From my campaign

Latest videos

Watch the newest campaign videos here, or visit Campaign Media for every video, poster and update.

New from Don

Latest Videos

Recent video New

Support for Our Fire Department

Recent video

Southampton Library Renewal

Recent video

Water & Wastewater Bills — Part II: Understanding the EHU Formula

A direct line to Don

Ask Don

Have a question about Saugeen Shores, municipal government or my campaign? Ask a question, share a concern or suggest an idea. I want to hear from you.

Ask Don a question

Let’s get growth right

There’s still work to do.

I’m asking for your support so we can bring experienced, community-focused leadership to all of Saugeen Shores.

Support my campaignQuestions? Email donmathesoncampaign26@gmail.com
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